When it comes to identifying the top quarterbacks currently taking the NFL by storm, few voices carry as much weight as Peyton Manning's. The future Hall of Famer recently revealed his picks for the top five quarterbacks actively shaping the league, and his selections offer insightful perspectives on some of football’s brightest stars: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen.
Patrick Mahomes: The Playmaking Maestro
Foremost on Manning’s list is Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Known for his versatility and explosive playmaking abilities, Mahomes has been instrumental in leading the Chiefs to multiple playoff runs and clinching a Super Bowl victory. Manning highlighted the effective coaching relationship between Mahomes and Andy Reid, noting, "Quarterbacks need to be coached hard. Andy Reid coaches Patrick Mahomes hard. That's good for Patrick, but that's bad for NFL defenses."
Joe Burrow: The Calm Competitor
Next is Joe Burrow, whose consistent performance and unflappable demeanor have impressed Manning. Burrow, who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, has become a beacon of resilience and poise on the field. Manning expressed his admiration, stating, "I'm a big fan of Joe Burrow. Glad to see him back healthy. I like the way he carries himself. I like his demeanor out there. He doesn't sweat. He doesn't flinch. He's just kind of calm and cool the whole time."
Justin Herbert: The Rising Star
Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert also makes Manning's elite list. Herbert has already broken Manning’s record for the most passing yards through the first four NFL seasons, establishing himself as one of the league’s top talents. Manning commented, "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough."
Lamar Jackson: The Dynamic Playmaker
Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson is known for his extraordinary athleticism and dual-threat capabilities. A two-time MVP winner, Jackson continues to amaze with his dynamic play style. Manning observed, "Lamar Jackson does things that just don't seem possible with the football in his hands. He makes throws, he runs, and he protects himself too. I never could run, so I never had that problem."
Josh Allen: The Total Stud
Rounding out Manning’s top five is Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. Since 2019, Allen has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league, driven by powerful motivation to bring a championship to Buffalo. Manning remarked, "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo."
Honorable Mentions
While Manning’s top five are irrefutable stars, his exclusions also draw attention. Notable quarterbacks who didn't make it to the list include Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love. Each of these players has shown promise, but the field of exceptional quarterbacks is crowded, making Manning's selections all the more meaningful.
Manning’s insights not only highlight the raw talent and achievements of these quarterbacks but also underscore the nuances of their individual styles and contributions to their teams. His nuanced analysis serves as a valuable barometer for football enthusiasts and professionals alike, providing a benchmark for excellence in the current NFL landscape.